Telford Driving Test Centre
· Telford and Wrekin
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Key Statistics
Getting to Telford
The Telford driving test centre is at 35 Hortonwood, Telford TF1 7FR. It is in the Hortonwood industrial area on the north side of Telford, not far from Junction 6 of the M54. From the motorway, take the A5223 towards Telford and follow signs for the Hortonwood area. The centre sits among other business units, so keep an eye out for the DVSA signs.
There is car parking on site. Telford Central station is a few miles to the south, so most people arrive by car or get a lift from their instructor. Bus routes serve the Hortonwood estate, though services can be infrequent. The centre has wheelchair ramp access and toilet facilities. Use the postcode in your sat nav for the most direct route in.
About Telford Test Centre
Telford is a DVSA driving test centre located in Telford and Wrekin. With a current pass rate of 43.9%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,663 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Telford, stretching back to 2007-08. This depth of data allows candidates to understand long-term patterns and make informed choices about when and where to take their test.
There are approximately 153 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the TF3 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Telford test centre serves candidates from Telford and Wrekin and the surrounding areas. If you're booking your practical test here, it's worth arriving at least 10 minutes early to familiarise yourself with the car park and check in with the examiner.
Test routes from Telford will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Telford and Wrekin area. As with all DVSA centres, your test will last approximately 40 minutes and include an independent driving section, at least one reversing manoeuvre, and potentially an emergency stop.
The centre conducts around 472 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Telford stands at 43.9%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 2.7 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Telford, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Telford was 51.5% in 2012-13, while the lowest was 40.8% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 50.6%, while the lowest was in Sep at 39.2%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Telford Historical Performance
Our records for Telford begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 45.2% from 5,707 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 48.6%, and it now sits at 43.9%.
Test volumes at Telford have remained broadly stable over this period. The data also captures the impact of COVID-19, with the 2020-21 year showing significantly reduced test volumes across all UK centres.
This long-term perspective is valuable for understanding whether the current pass rate is typical for this centre or part of a broader trend. A centre with a temporarily low pass rate may be recovering, while one with a consistently high rate offers more predictable conditions.
Tips for Passing at Telford
Based on the data we hold for Telford, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Telford, pass rates in Mar (50.6%) are notably higher than in Sep (39.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Telford. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Telford and Wrekin area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Telford, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Telford at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Use the time to settle your nerves and review any tricky manoeuvres mentally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate at Telford?
The current pass rate at Telford is 43.9%, based on 5,663 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Telford conduct per year?
Telford conducted 5,663 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 472 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Telford a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 43.9%, Telford is not the highest-rated centre, but your preparation matters more than statistics. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Telford?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 50.6%. However, monthly variation can change year to year, so treat this as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Do men or women pass more at Telford?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Telford, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Telford pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 540 | 226 | 41.9% | 39.9% | 44.3% |
| May | 437 | 201 | 46.0% | 52.5% | 39.5% |
| Jun | 620 | 254 | 41.0% | 44.2% | 37.6% |
| Jul | 657 | 259 | 39.4% | 36.0% | 43.1% |
| Aug | 477 | 204 | 42.8% | 40.4% | 45.3% |
| Sep | 513 | 201 | 39.2% | 43.1% | 35.2% |
| Oct | 539 | 232 | 43.0% | 40.2% | 45.9% |
| Nov | 392 | 195 | 49.7% | 47.4% | 52.0% |
| Dec | 346 | 168 | 48.6% | 47.6% | 49.7% |
| Jan | 390 | 177 | 45.4% | 46.5% | 44.2% |
| Feb | 398 | 192 | 48.2% | 47.7% | 48.8% |
| Mar | 354 | 179 | 50.6% | 55.3% | 45.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.5pp higher rate than female candidates at Telford.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Telford? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,652 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Telford with 53.9% from 1059 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 39.7%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,059 | 53.9% | 52.8% | 55.2% |
| 18 | 774 | 48.8% | 49.8% | 47.8% |
| 19 | 423 | 44.2% | 44.0% | 44.4% |
| 20 | 313 | 48.6% | 45.1% | 52.9% |
| 21 | 273 | 44.3% | 47.7% | 41.3% |
| 22 | 252 | 41.7% | 49.6% | 35.3% |
| 23 | 209 | 41.1% | 46.2% | 37.3% |
| 24 | 199 | 39.7% | 38.3% | 41.3% |
| 25 | 150 | 49.3% | 51.3% | 47.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Telford, the automatic test pass rate is 38.9%, which is 5.0 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 43.9%. With 1,099 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 39.9% compared to 36.8% for males.